Vacation like a local and make your next getaway one to Europe's summer mountain resorts or charming lakeside villages. Recharge amongst the continent's sprawling mountain ranges or beside refreshing waters and soak up the charms of the region.
When many think about mountain vacations in Europe, Switzerland comes to mind-and for a good reason. It shares the Alps with seven other countries, including France, Italy, and Germany, and is home to some of the most famous mountain peaks: Matterhorn, Jungfrau, Rigi, and Titlis, to name a few. A rail vacation in the Swiss Alps promises stunning sites and exciting excursions, from hiking to scenic rail journeys on some of Europe's most famous trains, such as the Glacier Express. Switzerland has some famous lakes of its own, too, and a culinary cruise on Lake Lugano or a leisure cruise on Lake Lucerne are memorable moments on summer mountain vacations-and in winter, too.
For a relaxing vacation with a twist, consider a stunning holiday to the beautiful lakes in Europe. Italy's Lake Como may be the most famous, but Lake Garda is one of Italy's best-kept secrets, as is Lake Maggiore. Other popular destinations for Europe lakes and mountains holidays include Scotland, home to its iconic mountain, Ben Nevis-best seen from the Jacobite Steam Train's rail cars-and mysterious Loch Ness, and Slovenia' Lake Bled, nestled in the Julian Alps. With more than 500,000 lakes and numerous peaks and valleys, options abound for rail vacation to European mountain towns and lakeside hamlets.
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Majestic lochs and glens await on this Scottish escape as we explore Edinburgh and cross the Highlands. Traveling on the scenic West Highland and Kyle rail lines, we discover historic castles, sail along glistening lochs, and stay in vibrant cities. Admire the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct on the world-famous Jacobite Steam train journey through the...
(212 reviews)
Small in size, endless in amazing scenery, discover the beauty of Switzerland from alpine peaks to brilliant blue lakes. Experience the best of this incredible country on an escorted grand tour, exploring stunning lakes and awe-inspiring mountains. Journey on some of its most iconic trains, including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and the...
(177 reviews)From Switzerland's largest city, Zürich, this round-trip unveils an unforgettable perspective on this small but stunning European country. Uncover delightful towns such as medieval St Gallen and Lucerne, lakeside Montreux, upmarket St Moritz and charming Zermatt, traveling between them on Switzerland's famed trains. Renowned railroads provide a...
River Cruise
Join us on a stunning rail adventure in beautiful Switzerland - with a trip aboard the iconic Glacier Express - and a 7-night cruise on the magical Rhine and Moselle rivers. Stay in picturesque Zermatt, beneath the Matterhorn, then sail past the castles, forests and mythical Lorelei rock of the stunning Rhine Gorge. Next, ancient Roman ruins...
(45 reviews)
If there is one thing Switzerland is known for, it is its otherworldly mountain scenes. The Swiss Alps are an icon, and when views of them are combined with stays in charming resort towns and rides aboard some of the world's most scenic railways, it is the recipe for an unforgettable vacation. Begin in Zurich with a day to get acclimated to the...
(74 reviews)Discover the diverse regions of Switzerland on this 11-day vacation. This trip, which takes you on a variety of Swiss rail lines, is a train lover's dream. Filled with twists and turns along rivers and mountainsides, you can relax and enjoy stunning views only available via rail. You'll view stunning landscapes such as the Bernese Oberland,...
Spend a week enveloped in the delights of Switzerland on this roundtrip journey, bookended by time in the lakeside city of Zürich. From well-located bases in Zürich, Zermatt and the Engadine Valley, the nation's most incredible adventures are within reach. Find yourself immersed in history while touring St. Gallen, and discover the timeless...
Explore Norway's iconic mountains, glaciers and fjords, and discover Swedish Lapland's untamed wilderness on this epic vacation. Soak up hallmarks of regional culture and set out on each and every one of the great Scandinavian rail experiences, crossing the Arctic Circle to the "Land of the Midnight Sun." This ultimate tour combines...
(24 reviews)Join us on a journey crossing the length of Norway from Oslo to the Arctic Circle. Set out on four of the country's world-renowned rail routes - the Flåm, Bergen, Nordland and Rauma Railways - and cruise across Geirangerfjord, discovering otherworldly landscapes and stunning archipelagos en route. On this exceptional tour, we experience a taste...
(6 reviews)Snow-bound views and enchanting seasonal scenery have made the Glacier Express famous at this time of year as the glistening peaks and sugar-frosted forests of the Swiss Alps provide picture-postcard backdrops. On this memorable vacation, pass icy lakes and the ethereal Palü Glacier on the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina Express. Later,...
(12 reviews)Experience the best of the Swiss Alps in ultimate luxury, admiring majestic mountains, picturesque landscapes and unspoiled nature. Wake up each day in a five-star hotel in the enchanting village of Grindelwald, nestled beneath the immense Eiger. Journey to the 'Top of Europe' on the Jungfrau Express to marvel at jaw-dropping panoramas and the...
From glittering Montreux to the mountainous surroundings of Interlaken, enjoy an effortless journey on a stunning, panoramic route. Explore the fairytale Château de Chillon and savor a glamorous Lake Geneva cruise, before traversing the Swiss Highlands on the cutting-edge GoldenPass Express. From Interlaken, view the Eiger up close on the modern...
Jul 15, 2025 · By Co-Founder Todd Powell
Whenever a train passes, I’m reminded of when—and where—I first fell in love with rail travel: Switzerland, 1992, on a solo trip between Rome, Italy, and Interlaken, Switzerland.
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Jul 03, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Fresh and exciting opportunities await to explore Europe next year, and you can be among the first to explore our collection of brand-new vacations for 2026.
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Jun 17, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Marvel at staggering mountains, glacial lakes and storybook villages aboard Switzerland’s iconic railways, from the Jungfrau Railway to the Glacier Express.
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May 19, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Get a head start on next year’s adventures by booking your European vacation ahead of time, enjoying benefits like greater options and early booking discounts.
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